Terry Clark Hughes Jr
Police Shootout Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Charlotte, North Carolina
TIME PERIOD
April 29, 2024
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On April 29, 2024, a shootout occurred at 5525 Galway Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, when a U.S. Marshals Service task force attempted to serve felony warrants on 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. At approximately 1:33 p.m. EDT, Hughes opened fire on the officers from inside his residence, resulting in the deaths of three members of the task force and one local police officer, with five others injured. The incident escalated as Hughes alternated fire from multiple windows, creating the impression of multiple shooters, before he was ultimately shot and killed by responding officers at 1:50 p.m. The investigation is ongoing, with significant evidence including the firearms used by Hughes and the tactical response of law enforcement during the incident.
Investigators and the public speculate that Terry Clark Hughes Jr. may have been preparing for a violent confrontation with law enforcement, as he positioned himself strategically within the house and ordered his family to take cover. Some believe that the incident reflects a growing trend of violent resistance against police during warrant services, raising concerns about officer safety and community relations. Additionally, there's speculation regarding Hughes's mental state leading up to the shootout, with discussions about potential motives behind his actions.
The 2024 Charlotte Shootout
In the tranquil neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina, a day in late April 2024 turned into a harrowing nightmare. On April 29, an attempt by law enforcement to serve felony warrants escalated into a deadly shootout, claiming the lives of four officers and the suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr. This tragic event unfolded at 5525 Galway Drive, a location that would soon become etched in the memories of those who witnessed the chaos.
The Day of the Shootout
As the clock neared 1:33 p.m. on that fateful afternoon, a U.S. Marshals Service task force, comprising 18 officers from various departments, arrived at Hughes's residence. Their mission was to serve active felony warrants, including one for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hughes, a 39-year-old man with a troubled past, had a history marked by crime, including a robbery conviction in Person County back in 2009 and a reckless driving incident after a high-speed chase in 2012.
When the task force pulled up, Hughes was at the side door of his house. Spotting the police vehicles, he retreated inside, setting in motion a series of events that would quickly spiral out of control. The officers surrounded the house, announcing their presence through a loudspeaker, urging Hughes to surrender.
Inside, Hughes instructed his daughter and girlfriend to take cover. He took position at an upstairs bathroom window, armed with a Radical Firearms RF-15 AR-15–style rifle. Hughes opened fire on the officers, then moved to an east bedroom window, continuing his assault. This maneuver created the illusion of multiple shooters, misleading the officers outside.
As bullets flew, Hughes fatally shot two officers and wounded another in the yard. The situation escalated, prompting calls for backup. At 1:46 p.m., a group of officers attempted to reach their fallen colleagues in the backyard. Hughes spotted them and unleashed another barrage of gunfire, killing two more officers and injuring three others.
The standoff reached a critical point at 1:50 p.m., when Hughes leaped from a second-story window, landing on the front lawn. Despite orders to drop his weapon, Hughes refused to comply, and the officers opened fire, ending his life. He was pronounced dead at 1:50:28 p.m.
In the ensuing chaos, an officer mistook movement at a house window for a threat, leading to additional gunfire from the police. An armored vehicle arrived to provide support, and by 4:56 p.m., the house was secured. Hughes's girlfriend and daughter were safely removed from the premises.
The Investigation
The aftermath of the shootout revealed the full extent of the violence. Alongside Hughes, three members of the task force perished at the scene: Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Poloche, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction officers William "Alden" Elliot and Thomas Weeks Jr. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer, Joshua Eyer, was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Four other officers sustained injuries, with one CMPD officer breaking his foot during the melee.
Inside the house, investigators recovered a Sig Sauer .40-caliber handgun, which remained unused, and the AR-15–style rifle Hughes wielded. They found ammunition for both weapons, including two 30-round magazines in Hughes's pocket. Hughes had fired 29 rounds from his rifle, while the officers collectively discharged 340 rounds—227 from rifles and 113 from handguns. An autopsy confirmed Hughes was hit by ten bullets.
Initially, authorities suspected the involvement of multiple shooters, but by April 30, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings announced that Hughes acted alone. By May 31, this was officially confirmed, putting to rest any speculation of additional suspects.
The Aftermath
As the dust settled, law enforcement grappled with the loss of their colleagues. Memorial services were held, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those who perished. The wounded officers and their families were left to cope with the physical and emotional scars of the tragic event.
Hughes's girlfriend and daughter, unharmed, cooperated with the police investigation. Despite their proximity to the violence, no charges were filed against them. The community of Charlotte was left to mourn and reflect on the day's events, while law enforcement agencies nationwide took stock of the risks inherent in their line of duty.
Closing Thoughts
The 2024 Charlotte shootout serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work and the sacrifices officers make in the line of duty. It also highlights the complexities and dangers faced when attempting to bring suspects with violent pasts to justice. The names of the fallen officers, etched in the annals of history, continue to inspire and remind us of the cost of maintaining peace.
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Shootout Begins
U.S. Marshals task force arrives to serve a warrant on Terry Hughes, leading to a shootout.
Officers Shot
Hughes opens fire from his residence, killing two officers and wounding one.
Backup Called
Officers call for backup as Hughes continues to fire, resulting in additional casualties.
Hughes Killed
Hughes jumps out of a window and is shot by officers, declared dead shortly after.
Casualties Confirmed
Total of five fatalities confirmed, including three task force members and one CMPD officer.
Investigation Update
Police confirm that Hughes acted alone in the shootout, dispelling initial beliefs of multiple shooters.
Final Investigation Report
Police officially conclude investigation, confirming no friendly fire and detailing the events.
On April 29, 2024, a shootout occurred at 5525 Galway Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, when a U.S. Marshals Service task force attempted to serve felony warrants on 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. At approximately 1:33 p.m. EDT, Hughes opened fire on the officers from inside his residence, resulting in the deaths of three members of the task force and one local police officer, with five others injured. The incident escalated as Hughes alternated fire from multiple windows, creating the impression of multiple shooters, before he was ultimately shot and killed by responding officers at 1:50 p.m. The investigation is ongoing, with significant evidence including the firearms used by Hughes and the tactical response of law enforcement during the incident.
Investigators and the public speculate that Terry Clark Hughes Jr. may have been preparing for a violent confrontation with law enforcement, as he positioned himself strategically within the house and ordered his family to take cover. Some believe that the incident reflects a growing trend of violent resistance against police during warrant services, raising concerns about officer safety and community relations. Additionally, there's speculation regarding Hughes's mental state leading up to the shootout, with discussions about potential motives behind his actions.
The 2024 Charlotte Shootout
In the tranquil neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina, a day in late April 2024 turned into a harrowing nightmare. On April 29, an attempt by law enforcement to serve felony warrants escalated into a deadly shootout, claiming the lives of four officers and the suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr. This tragic event unfolded at 5525 Galway Drive, a location that would soon become etched in the memories of those who witnessed the chaos.
The Day of the Shootout
As the clock neared 1:33 p.m. on that fateful afternoon, a U.S. Marshals Service task force, comprising 18 officers from various departments, arrived at Hughes's residence. Their mission was to serve active felony warrants, including one for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hughes, a 39-year-old man with a troubled past, had a history marked by crime, including a robbery conviction in Person County back in 2009 and a reckless driving incident after a high-speed chase in 2012.
When the task force pulled up, Hughes was at the side door of his house. Spotting the police vehicles, he retreated inside, setting in motion a series of events that would quickly spiral out of control. The officers surrounded the house, announcing their presence through a loudspeaker, urging Hughes to surrender.
Inside, Hughes instructed his daughter and girlfriend to take cover. He took position at an upstairs bathroom window, armed with a Radical Firearms RF-15 AR-15–style rifle. Hughes opened fire on the officers, then moved to an east bedroom window, continuing his assault. This maneuver created the illusion of multiple shooters, misleading the officers outside.
As bullets flew, Hughes fatally shot two officers and wounded another in the yard. The situation escalated, prompting calls for backup. At 1:46 p.m., a group of officers attempted to reach their fallen colleagues in the backyard. Hughes spotted them and unleashed another barrage of gunfire, killing two more officers and injuring three others.
The standoff reached a critical point at 1:50 p.m., when Hughes leaped from a second-story window, landing on the front lawn. Despite orders to drop his weapon, Hughes refused to comply, and the officers opened fire, ending his life. He was pronounced dead at 1:50:28 p.m.
In the ensuing chaos, an officer mistook movement at a house window for a threat, leading to additional gunfire from the police. An armored vehicle arrived to provide support, and by 4:56 p.m., the house was secured. Hughes's girlfriend and daughter were safely removed from the premises.
The Investigation
The aftermath of the shootout revealed the full extent of the violence. Alongside Hughes, three members of the task force perished at the scene: Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Poloche, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction officers William "Alden" Elliot and Thomas Weeks Jr. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer, Joshua Eyer, was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Four other officers sustained injuries, with one CMPD officer breaking his foot during the melee.
Inside the house, investigators recovered a Sig Sauer .40-caliber handgun, which remained unused, and the AR-15–style rifle Hughes wielded. They found ammunition for both weapons, including two 30-round magazines in Hughes's pocket. Hughes had fired 29 rounds from his rifle, while the officers collectively discharged 340 rounds—227 from rifles and 113 from handguns. An autopsy confirmed Hughes was hit by ten bullets.
Initially, authorities suspected the involvement of multiple shooters, but by April 30, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings announced that Hughes acted alone. By May 31, this was officially confirmed, putting to rest any speculation of additional suspects.
The Aftermath
As the dust settled, law enforcement grappled with the loss of their colleagues. Memorial services were held, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those who perished. The wounded officers and their families were left to cope with the physical and emotional scars of the tragic event.
Hughes's girlfriend and daughter, unharmed, cooperated with the police investigation. Despite their proximity to the violence, no charges were filed against them. The community of Charlotte was left to mourn and reflect on the day's events, while law enforcement agencies nationwide took stock of the risks inherent in their line of duty.
Closing Thoughts
The 2024 Charlotte shootout serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work and the sacrifices officers make in the line of duty. It also highlights the complexities and dangers faced when attempting to bring suspects with violent pasts to justice. The names of the fallen officers, etched in the annals of history, continue to inspire and remind us of the cost of maintaining peace.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Shootout Begins
U.S. Marshals task force arrives to serve a warrant on Terry Hughes, leading to a shootout.
Officers Shot
Hughes opens fire from his residence, killing two officers and wounding one.
Backup Called
Officers call for backup as Hughes continues to fire, resulting in additional casualties.
Hughes Killed
Hughes jumps out of a window and is shot by officers, declared dead shortly after.
Casualties Confirmed
Total of five fatalities confirmed, including three task force members and one CMPD officer.
Investigation Update
Police confirm that Hughes acted alone in the shootout, dispelling initial beliefs of multiple shooters.
Final Investigation Report
Police officially conclude investigation, confirming no friendly fire and detailing the events.